Resorbable Coated Polyethylene Suture for Knot Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonresorbable surgical threads with high tensile strength, such as those made from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), have a smooth surface that compromises knot security, requiring multiple knots for secure wound closure, increasing foreign material introduction and risk of inflammatory reactions and tissue erosions.
Innovation Solution
A surgical thread with a polyethylene thread body, optionally in a crosslinked state, coated with a resorbable material and additives, providing enhanced mechanical stability and friction to ensure secure wound closure with fewer knots, thereby reducing foreign material introduction and simplifying the surgical procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nonresorbable suture material with high tensile strength is used, then mechanical stability is improved, but knot security deteriorates due to smooth surface
Solution Approach 1:
The suture material features a core-sheath construction where the core maintains high tensile strength while the sheath provides enhanced knot security through increased surface friction. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between strength and knot security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines resorbable and nonresorbable materials in a composite structure. The nonresorbable core provides tensile strength while the resorbable sheath with barbs or increased friction surface improves knot security, ultimately resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Reliability
If multiple knots are placed to ensure secure wound closure, then knot security is improved, but foreign material introduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating knot security enhancement at the knot interface through barbs or increased friction surface in the sheath, the invention achieves secure wound closure with fewer knots, thereby reducing overall foreign material introduction while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple knots are superimposed to ensure adequate knot security, then knot security is improved, but surgical procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced friction or barbed structure is localized to the sheath portion that contacts at the knot interface, providing improved knot security with a single knot. This eliminates the need for multiple superimposed knots and simplifies the surgical procedure while maintaining reliability.
4Strength
If nonresorbable suture material is used to maintain mechanical stability, then mechanical stability is improved, but risk of inflammatory reactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resorbable sheath is designed to be gradually absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for permanent foreign material. The nonresorbable core maintains mechanical stability during the critical healing period, while the resorbable outer layer reduces long-term inflammatory risk through controlled degradation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The thread achieves improved knot security and reduced material requirements, minimizing the risk of inflammatory reactions and tissue erosions while maintaining high mechanical stability and flexibility, facilitating secure and efficient wound closure with fewer knots.
Implementation Method 1
The slipperiness can impair the knot security of a suture... The coating consists of a resorbable material... providing enhanced mechanical stability and friction
Implementation Method 2
the polyethylene is present in a crosslinked state, especially in a chemically and/or physically crosslinked state... To further improve the mechanical stability of the thread
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a thread, especially a surgical thread, comprising an elongate, preferably braided, thread body and a coating surrounding the thread body at least partially and preferably completely, wherein the thread body comprises polyethylene and/or polypropylene and the coating consists of a resorbable material and optionally additives. The invention further relates to an implant and also to a production process for the thread and the implant.